Waller Worried About Big Weight For Acapela

Trainer Chris Waller is worried that the top weight of 60kg might bring about the undoing of quality mare Acapela in the Dover Handicap (1610m) at Flemington tomorrow.

Acapela will drop back in classic when she contests the Dover Handicap at Flemington this weekend. Photo: Steve Hart

Acapela was far from disgraced when finishing seventh behind Myamira in the Group 3 Belle Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) and Waller told Racing Ahead this morning that he believes that the Elusive City mare will relish the large Flemington track, but is concerned she may struggled under the heavy weight.

“The big track will suit her, but obviously she has a big weight and a wide draw to overcome,” Waller said.

“Last start the tight-turning track at Gosford didn’t suit her at all, so getting out to the big open spaces will help.

“I’m concerned about the weight.”

Acapela has performed fairly when given an opportunity at Group level in both Australia and New Zealand, with her best performance a fourth place finish in the Group 2 Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga, but Waller does not plan on setting the six-year-old for any major races during the 2014 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

Acapela has accumulated over $100,000 in prizemoney in 31 career starts to date and Waller said his goal is to place the mare as well as possible so that she can continue to increase the rewards for connections.

“There is a similar race in two weeks’ time at Caulfield over a mile and I think she will be in that race with a little bit less weight,” Waller said.

“It is all about prizemoney with horses like her, she is no superstar, but when you are banking $48,000 for a win it soons adds up.

“That is what it is all about for owners and trainers; getting a good income.

“It isn’t all about winning Group or Listed races because not all horses can compete at that level.”

Acapela is currently available at odds of $13 in Dover Handicap betting markets; with La Venta ($3.20) a narrow favourite from Five All ($5.50), Nautical ($7) and Gig ($7).

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